Man Charged in Death of Severely Burned Toddler

A police source said the baby suffered severe burns to his head, face and chest

A West Englewood man is accused of murdering a 20-month-old boy who suffered severe burns to his head, face and chest, police said.

Vernon Henry, 26, of the 6600 block of South Paulina Street, was charged with first-degree murder after an incident on Thursday left the boy in critical condition at University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital Saturday, officials said.

A police source said the baby suffered severe burns to his head, face and chest in a home on the 6900 block of South Cornell Avenue.

Neighbors said the mother of the boy came out of the home screaming that her son needed help.

The Illinois Department of Child and Family Services was investigating the mother on allegation of abuse, officials said.

Police questioned the mother following the incident, but she has not been charged.

An autopsy and bond hearing were both scheduled for Sunday.
 

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